TTC CEO departs top job two years early, amid 'new direction' at City Hall
CTV
The now-departed head of the TTC insists he left the transit agency on his own terms – despite collecting a severance – but acknowledges the political reality of ideological 'changes' in transit visions at the top.
The now-departed head of the TTC insists he left the transit agency on his own terms – despite collecting a severance – but acknowledges the political reality of ideological "changes" in transit visions at the top.
"There was a new mayor, a new [TTC] chair, and there's obviously some idea of going in a new direction," Rick Leary told CTV News Toronto on his last day in office.
"Maybe it's time to let them bring somebody else new in. New ideas, new vision."
Leary's current contract was not set to expire until 2026. He declined to discuss the value or terms of his severance.
The Boston native was tapped to lead the cash-strapped transit system in 2018 during John Tory's tenure as mayor, following four years in the role of Chief Service Officer. One of his incoming priorities, Leary recalls, was an intent focus on fleet repair and vehicle maintenance – which he considers a success of his term.
Two years later, though, the city ground to a halt under the COVID-19 pandemic, devastating both ridership and revenue without the support of the fare box. The system has only recently rebounded in ridership, to 80-85 per cent of 2019 levels, according to the TTC.
Service hours will be restored to 97 percent of pre-pandemic metrics in September.
